Matamp 1224GT

The Marketing Blurb

Stunning versatility and unadulterated tone. The 1224 is among the best amplifiers on the planet offering a depth and complexity of tone not often heard. If you don’t believe us come and try one

Our most customisable amplifier to date. Choose valve type, bias type, switching options, voicing and more. As standard there are 4 modes of operation: single or dual valve Class A, 2 or 4 valves Push/Pull. Combined with Triode/Pentode and Hi/Lo power switching give a total of 16 possible combinations of tone and volume. Footswitchable Voice, Reverb, Overdrive, and front panel operated Mid Boost and Bass Shift.

[Actually there isn't any blurb about the Matamp 1224GT, but that didn't stop me buying one. The text above is the text for the Matamp 1224 II. The main difference is the footswitch providing many a variety of tone options for live use.]

My Opinion

First off, I'm biased. I own one of these. It's by far the best guitar amplifier I've ever owned. I bought it after trying out one of the standard 1224 II's at the factory.

This is a single channel amp, but don't let that put you off. The range of tone is amazing. Makes you wonder why other manufacturers have to resort to numerous channels to get half the range of tones that this can do. The footswitch allows you to get through a emulate a multi-channel amp and once you get the hang of it, it seems more logical than having several channels anyway.

Back to the range of tone, it's awesome. You can go from Fender Twin type cleans (ok, not exactly, remember if you want Fender Twin tone, then you need a Fender Twin) through 60's overdriven rock and 70s hard rock all the way to saturated doom tones. Whatever I do to it, the amp always has more reserves. The cleans are that good that I've done away with the chorus pedal I used to use to add a slight shimmer. There's no need with this amp.

Interested?

Want to know more about the Matamp 1224GT, then head over to Award Sounds for images, sound clips and more opinion.